Set your Eyes on the Prize

 

I recently read an article from Forbes titled "Nine Lifestyle Changes for a Successful Career". The article presented nine life rules that could help ensure a clear path to success. After reviewing them, I noticed that each of the suggestions were a form of discipline. Similarly, discipline plays a significant role in a believer's life. The Bible offers countless suggested rules that promise to pave the way for us and ensure our success. Unfortunately, we sometimes shy away from them due to our incorrect understanding of them. To learn from this, we can reflect on the story of Samson from the Old Testament. An angel appeared to Manoah and his wife, announcing the birth of their son, Samson. Manoah asked the angel...

“What is to be the rule that governs the boy’s life and work?” The angel of the LORD answered, “Your wife must do all that I have told her.  (Ju. 13:12-14 NIV)

The angel left clear rules for Samson's parents to guide their son towards his destiny. However, discipline comprises of two parts: doing something you don't always want to do (the cost) and improving or enhancing your life (the reward). We often lack discipline because we get stuck on the cost rather than focusing on the reward. When we think of rules, we immediately consider how they restrict us instead of seeing the gains they offer.

This was the case for Samson, who only viewed the rules as restrictions and failed to consider the rewards that followed. The more he strayed away from them, the more he strayed off his destined course. When I began my spiritual journey, exercising discipline was challenging because, like Samson, I was focusing on the cost. I began complaining, "This is too much to ask." However, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me, "You are not doing this for me; you are doing this for you! This won't benefit me; it will only benefit you!" Focusing on the reward is like setting your eyes on the prize. It changes your perspective entirely. What previously felt like loss ultimately becomes irresistible gain.

“God has given us the disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving his grace.” -Richard Foster.

“We don't drift into good directions. We discipline and prioritize ourselves there.”  -Andy Stanley.

Supporting Text

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, for those who have been trained by it, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.